obsessive-compulsive
[uh b-ses-iv-kuh m-puhl-siv]
- of or relating to a personality style characterized by perfectionism, indecision, conscientiousness, concern with detail, rigidity, and inhibition.
- Psychiatry. of or relating to a neurosis characterized by persistent intrusion of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or the performance of actions, as repeated hand-washing, that one is unable to stop (compulsions).
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- a person having such a personality style.
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Origin of obsessive-compulsive
First recorded in 1925–30
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for obsessive-compulsive
Contemporary Examples
But it looks like it was created by crazed person with obsessive-compulsive behavior.
“Obsessive-compulsive tendencies really help to enhance abilities,” Okun said.
He noted that people with the condition often have obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
“True Detective,” Obsessive-Compulsive Noir, and “Twin Peaks” by Jimmy So.
It is possible to name an ancestor to this obsessive-compulsive noir: David Lynch.
obsessive-compulsive
- Having a tendency to dwell on unwanted thoughts or perform certain repetitious rituals, especially as a defense against anxiety from unconscious conflicts.
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- A person who exhibits obsessive-compulsive behavior.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.